Born to Darkness (Fighting Destiny, #1) by Suzanne Brockmann

Dishonorably discharged, former Navy SEAL Shane Laughlin is down to his last ten bucks when he finally finds work as a test subject at the Obermeyer Institute, a little-known and believed-to-be-fringe scientific research facility. When he enters the OI compound, he is plunged into a strange world where seemingly mild-mannered scientists—including women half his size—can kick his highly skilled ass.

Shane soon discovers that there are certain individuals who possess the unique ability to access untapped regions of the brain with extraordinary results—including telekinesis, super strength, and reversal of the aging process. Known as “Greater-Thans,” this rare breed is recruited by OI, where they are rigorously trained using ancient techniques to cultivate their powers and wield them responsibly.

But in the depths of America’s second Great Depression, where the divide between the haves and the have-nots has grown even wider, those who are rich—and reckless—enough have a quick, seductive alternative: Destiny, a highly addictive designer drug that can make anyone a Greater-Than, with the power of eternal youth. The sinister cartel known as The Organization has begun mass-producing Destiny, and the demand is epidemic. But few realize the drug’s true danger, and fewer still know the dirty secret of Destiny’s crucial ingredient.

Michelle “Mac” Mackenzie knows the ugly truth. And as one of the Obermeyer Institute’s crack team of operatives, she’s determined to end the scourge of Destiny. But her kick-ass attitude gets knocked for a loop when she finds that one of the new test subjects is none other than Shane, the same smoldering stranger who just rocked her world in a one-night stand. Although Shane isn’t a Greater-Than like Mac, as an ex-SEAL, he’s got talents of his own. But Mac’s got powerful reasons to keep her distance from him—and reasons that are just as strong to want him close. She’s used to risking her life, but now, in the midst of the ultimate war on drugs, she must face sacrificing her heart.

Read an excerpt from Born to Darkness

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink (YA)
Afterglow (Lodestone Trilogy, #2) by Cherry Adair
Bitter Harvest by Kim Knox

Bobby (Red, Hot & Blue #6) by Cat Johnson
Brook Street: Thief by Ava March
Croak (Croak, #1) by Gina Damico (YA)

Darkest Knight (Knight’s Curse #2) by Karen Duvall
Deadly Is the Kiss by Rhyannon Byrd
Everything You’ve Got (Anything & Everything, #2) by Erin Nicholas

Gossip by Beth Gutcheon
Haevyn (Humanotica, #3) by Darcy Abriel
Just One Kiss by Isabel Sharpe

Loss (Riders of the Apocalypse #3) by Jackie Morse Kessler (YA)
Natural Evil (Elder Races, #4.5) by Thea Harrison
Shadow Visions (Shadow Warriors, #2) by Gabriella Hewitt

So Pretty It Hurts (Bailey Weggins Mystery #6) by Kate White
The Werewolf’s Wife by Michele Hauf
Traitor’s Son (Raven Duet, #2) by Hilari Bell (YA)

Warrior Rising (The Esri, #4) by Pamela Palmer
What Binds Us by Larry Benjamin
Worth the Scandal (Worth It, #1) by Karen Erickson

Like last week, this round of releases is lighter on volume. Next week is going to be a cluster (so be sure to skip if you want your TBR list/pile to stay intact ^_^), but at the moment, there’s a nice little handful of interesting titles–delightful emphasis on the “little.” This go round, I’m all about the new sci-fi romance series by romantic suspense queen Suzanne Brockman, the first book of which is called Born to Darkness. Check out the blurb up top–is that not the most detailed freakin’ book blurb ever?! Aside from that, Croak by Gina Damico looks really interesting–both the cover and premise. I might be way off base here, but it seems like there have been quite a few books out in the last year or two featuring protagonists that moonlight as Death / the Grim Reaper.  Or necromancers. Are we approaching a new “it” theme?

Find anything new this week to add to your TBR pile? (If so, very sorry! ^_^) For the paranormal fans, what’s your thought on urban fantasy focusing on death (ghosts, grim reapers, poltergeists, etc.)? Too scary? Exhilarating? Have you noticed an increase in such titles in the genre fic mainstream?

About Alisha

Alisha, the bespectacled and ever nerdy California girl, simply won't leave home without a book in hand. She loves language learnin' and is working toward becoming a bonafide grammar ninja. On any given day you'll find her haunting local libraries or baking scores of cupcakes and sweet treats.

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